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Cetaceans of the Canary Islands

Cetacean Guide

Discover the magnificent marine mammals of the Canary Islands

Cetaceans of the Canary Islands

The waters surrounding the Canary Islands are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. At least 31 species of cetaceans have been reported in these waters, making it one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching. During our tours with Waverider, you'll have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Amazing Facts

31+

Species of cetaceans in Canary Islands waters

90%

Success rate of dolphin sightings on our tours

365

Days a year you can see dolphins in Lanzarote

Bottlenose Dolphin Most Common

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphin

The most commonly sighted cetacean in Lanzarote waters. These intelligent and playful dolphins are known for their friendly behavior and acrobatic displays.

Size: 2-4 meters
Speed: Up to 30 km/h
Groups: 10-25 individuals
Did you know?

Bottlenose dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors and have unique signature whistles that function like names!

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Frequently Seen

Stenella frontalis

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

These energetic dolphins are known for their distinctive spotted pattern and love of bow-riding. They're highly social and often seen in large groups.

Size: 1.7-2.3 meters
Speed: Up to 40 km/h
Groups: 5-50 individuals
Did you know?

Their spots develop as they mature - calves are born without spots and develop them gradually!

Pilot Whale

Globicephala macrorhynchus

Short-finned Pilot Whale

Despite their name, pilot whales are actually the largest members of the dolphin family. They're highly intelligent and live in tight-knit family groups.

Size: 3.5-6.5 meters
Speed: Up to 25 km/h
Groups: 20-100 individuals
Did you know?

Pilot whales can dive to depths of over 600 meters and hold their breath for up to 16 minutes!

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Common Dolphin

Easily recognized by their distinctive hourglass pattern, common dolphins are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean and are known for their spectacular leaps.

Size: 1.7-2.4 meters
Speed: Up to 45 km/h
Groups: 10-500 individuals
Did you know?

Common dolphins can form superpods of over 1,000 individuals when feeding together!

Bryde's Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde's Whale

A baleen whale species that can occasionally be spotted in Canary waters. They're known for their unpredictable surface behavior and powerful blows.

Size: 12-15 meters
Speed: Up to 25 km/h
Groups: Usually solitary
Did you know?

Bryde's whales are one of the few whale species that don't migrate, preferring warm tropical waters year-round!

Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Blainville's Beaked Whale

One of the most mysterious cetaceans, beaked whales are deep-diving specialists that spend most of their time in the ocean depths.

Size: 4.5-5.5 meters
Dive: Over 1,000 meters deep
Groups: 2-7 individuals
Did you know?

Beaked whales hold the record for the deepest and longest dives of any marine mammal!

Marine Conservation

At Waverider, we're committed to responsible whale watching. Our tours follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of these magnificent creatures while providing you with an unforgettable experience.

Respectful Distance

We maintain safe distances to avoid disturbing the animals in their natural behavior.

Education

We educate our guests about marine conservation and the importance of protecting cetaceans.

No Feeding

We never feed wild dolphins or whales, allowing them to maintain their natural hunting behaviors.

Ready to See Them in Person?

Join us on one of our dolphin tours and experience the magic of encountering these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Book your adventure today!

BOOK YOUR DOLPHIN TOUR
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